Ignition Switch Problems of Chevrolet Cavalier - part 1

For several years now, the interior light has been coming on intermittently when I hit a bump in the road. Last year I went shopping, got back into my car & started it, or rather tried to start it, but it shut down quite quickly. Thinking it was a fluke, I tried to start it several more times with the same results. Not even pushing on the gas could keep it going. After towing the car & having it sit around for a while before someone could finally find the electrical issue, it was 'repaired'. The issue was the wiring for the ignition switch. The repair completed was a cheaper route than replacing the actual switch. What I didn't know until too late last year was the 'service w/wrench' and 'theft system' lights were the warning that the switch was about to go out. The interior light has been doing the same thing again & the theft & service lights came on again last Wednesday, 7/15/15, and now I know I have no choice but to replace the ignition seitch. Last year I contacted gm but they only wanted to make a note about it. I'm sure that as time goes on others will have issues too. How can wires come loose or break behind a steering wheel? plugs, hoses & things like that I can fully understand, but not something that is hidden & supposedly safe behind a steering wheel.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

Ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder malfunctioned in 2009, roughly five years after gm's recall. The original owner of the vehicle took advantage of the ignition switch's service. In addition to the recall, gm installed an ignition wiring harness. Back in 2009, the vehicle's ignition would overturn, and then, the engine would automatically shut-off. To repair the problem, both the ignition switch and lock cylinder were replaced at a cost of $492. In 2014, the ignition switch malfunctions. This time, it appears the ignition lock cylinder to be working properly. The ignition switch became damage due to current flow to the ignition when holding the key in the start position. The heat melted the internal switch. I had not known in 2014 that the problem was the ignition switch. In the same year, however, gm recalled a massive number of vehicles for ignition switch defect. Chevrolet Cavalier was not on the list. Today, it costs $180. 00, excluding taxes and fees, to get the ignition switch installed by a Chevrolet technician. A locksmith rate starts at $90 but does not include service fee, and labor. Based on few online reports, the installation takes a minimum of 20 minutes. Would installed the ignition switch myself but cannot locate step by step instructions. All the Chevrolet manuals owned do not provide instructions on replacing the ignition switch. If I do install the ignition switch, I am unsure if the vehicle's computer will need reprogramming. A few reports made reference to reprogramming the vehicle's computer following the changing of the ignition switch. Solution: I think gm needs to add Chevrolet Cavalier to the "recall" list. The alternative, ignition wiring harness does not support the electrical system entirely when the charging system light remains on the dashboard.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the key was difficult to turn when inserted into the ignition switch, preventing the vehicle from being started. The vehicle was started after the contact attempted to turn the key to the start position several times. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 85,610 and the current mileage was 85,615.

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the key could not be inserted all the way in the ignition. Also, the contact stated that in order to turn on the vehicle the key needed to be slightly out of the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

See all problems of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

The contact owns 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated when removing the key from ignition switch, the vehicle failed to shut off. The contact stated that the relays and the inside dome light constantly stay illuminated. The failure was contantly draining the battery. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.

See all problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

Recently general motors issued a recall on the ignition switch for some of their cars, but it does not include all of the vehicles affected with the exact same problem. Here is a list of cars currently listed, but I want my 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier added to the recall too: Chevrolet cobalt, pontiac g5, Saturn ion, Chevrolet hhr, pontiac solstice, and Saturn sky. Many years ago I tried to get a local Chevrolet service center to fix the problem in my 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. They could not fix it, so we just kept driving the car. Had I known it would affect the air bags getting deployed I would have written to you sooner. This problem needs to get fixed by gm as soon as possible on all models listed including my 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The defect allows the ignition switch to move from "run" to "accessory" if I hit a bump or I use a heavy key chain. That shuts off the engine and may disable the front air bags. The loss of the air bag crash protection is my biggest worry. Please help me get this fixed and warn other people who have 2004 Chevrolet Cavaliers with the same problem.

My vehicle was in an accident on 2/15/2012. I had my vehicle towed to greenleaf collision inc. , located at 5100 a. Kentucky avenue, nashville,TN 37209,615. 320. 7818, owner [xxx]. On 2/16/2012 my vehicle was towed in to greenleaf collision inc, for repairs. Once I found out from greenleaf collision, inc. That my Chevrolet Cavalier 2001 was on recall list to be repaired for "ignition switch failure", general motors. The greenleaf collision inc. , had my Chevrolet Cavalier 2001, towed to freeland Chevrolet 5333 hickory hollow parkway, antioch, TN. 37013, 615. 731. 3020. My Chevrolet Cavalier, is in the recall for "ignition switch failure", once my vehicle was sent over to freeland Chevrolet for repair of the "ignition switch failure", to my understanding by greenleaf collision inc. I was informated that my vehicle the Chevrolet Cavalier, was not repaired for "ignition switch failure", on 3/8/2012 I was in an accident were my Chevrolet Cavalier," ignition switch failure" . My was totaled out, the vehicle just cut off in the middle of the street, and we were hire and totaled out. My "ignition switch failure" with my Chevrolet Cavalier totaled out, and was not repaired, at freeland Chevrolet on 3/7/2012 the" ignition switch", was not replace/nor repaired. My vehicle was totaled out, and I was left without vehicle compensation, and I was injured, and my grandchildren were injured also. I have an claim number with general motors:[xxx]. Who has a third party company named esis/gm central claims unit p. O. Box 300, detroit, mi 48265-3000. 800. 888. 0164. Esis/gm central claims unit has not processed my claim with the" ignition switch failure", on the Chevrolet Cavalier. I request help in receiving compensation on my totaled out vehicle. Your urgent assistance is greatly need. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Tl - the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the vehicle stalled as all of the warning lamps illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure however, replaced the fuel pump as a precaution. The repair failed to remedy the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the technician determined that the ignition switch was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,426 and the current mileage was 111,600. Kmj.

As I was driving down the road the vehicle stopped running and I had to pull over to the side of the road. I then tried to start the car again but it did not start. So I tried again a few more time. The vehicle did start so I took the car in for repairs the next week which was my first attempt. It took 2 more visits to get the car fixed correctly. It turned out to be the ignition switch sensor. Just like the recall by gm. But my model is not included, I hope it will be added in the future.

1997 chevy Cavalier steering column and dashboard caught on fire on March 10, 2011. Car had no mechanical or electrical issues prior to the fire. Car was in excellent working condition. Car had been parked for approximately one hour after being used for a short drive. The Cavalier was parked outside in front of the house no one was in the vehicle. Fire department had to be called to extinguish the fire from the car. No prior knowledge of the recall for the electrical system ignition switch defect.

See all problems of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

I bought this car used last year for my daughter. We have been having problems with the key to start, the key was left in the start position a few times trying to get started. We noticed a spark come from the column and nothing. I noticed that there was a recall on the ignition switch doing the same thing as I stated above. Dealership will not honor recall because now they are stating the lock cylinder mechanism is broke and they cant get into the column without breaking it. This is ridiculous that now that it is failed they won't fix the car.

To make a long story short, my car started smoking through the ac vents one day and I described this to a chevy 800 # rep and he said that it was covered under recall # 04002 ignition circuit thermal events. I take it to the dealer, they said they fixed it. I go to pick it up and the burned wires under the dash were not replaced, the theft system light was still on and the car still would not shut off even with the key out of the ignition. I called the 800# back and told him I was given the run around and now this guy claims that he never told me that the damage to my car was not covered under the recall and that it would have to come out of pocket. This is ridiculous. The description of the recall fits exactly what happened with my car and now they are trying to get away with not fixing my car. I want it fixed! I just wanted to send this quick email and will go in depth about it once I receive your reply. Thanks. Updated 09/09/08.

See all problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

This car has been in the family for most of its life. When my sister bought it. She would have trouble with it starting up. She would have to try several times before it would finally start up. Im not sure of the problem. I was told it could be the ignition switch. But this has been replaced twice. This gets expensive when you do this? I was wondering if there was any other complaints with this.

The ignition system.

The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start; however, the instrument panel indicators illuminated. There were no prior warning indicators before the electric system failed. Nhtsa campaign id number 04v036000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) was referenced. The contact was advised to replace the ignition switch first and then the dealer would complete the rest of the safety recall repair. The current mileage was 112,319 and failure mileage was 112,019.

With ignition key in start position I begin to smell something burning. This prompted site search and it appears that re-call #02v070000 applies to my 1996 Cavalier. Dealer does not acknowledge existance of recall.

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier and I almost had a bad accident with this car. The ignition switch and wheels locked up on me and I was still in one place and a eighteen wheeler ran into me. I have been having trouble with this car everytime I look up.

See all problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

My car has recently caught fire. The fire started in the steering column. My car was a total loss.

1. Vehicle made a moaning noise when turning at approximately 55,000 kms (and 3 years old). Replaced power steering pump and steering rack. 2. Random clunking from the front end at approx. 56,000 kms. Replaced front bearings and transmission mount. 3. Car lost power, had to be towed to dealership. Dealer couldn't find a problem, insisted the car was fine. I insisted on them taking it out again. Car broke down, had to be towed back to dealer again. Replaced catalytic converter and fuel ignition switch. 4. Burned through 4l of oil and puffed out black smoke. Dealer couldn't locate problem. Happened again approx. 2000 kms later. Faulty piston rings, engine replaced entirely. At 61,000 kms. Now at over $11,000 cdn warranty repairs on a well maintained low mileage car. 5. Random clunking noise in front is back. Going to dealer tomorrow. Warranty: expired.

See all problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

When driving the vehicle and hit a bump the ignition switch will cause the interior light to come and on occasion cause the car to shut off.

Once key inserted into ignition, ignition switch will not turn and steering column is in a "locked" position; front wheels are straight and not turned left nor right. Some 5 months ago this happened and after some 1. 5 hours of jiggling steering wheel and trying ignition, it finally started. Car was level with wheels facing straight.

The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. In March of 2005, the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for routine service and they stated that she needed a relay switch and a new wiring harness. There were no failures at that time. While driving 45 mph, the contact noticed smoke and the key in the ignition was getting hot. The dealer stated that she needed another new ignition switch and wiring harness at the cost of $403. 23. The failure mileage was 17,000 and current mileage was 32,000.

While turning into a parking lot steering column locked up when making a left turn. Owner stated that a recall notice 04v036000/ignition switch was received for ignition switch on February 4, 2005. It was February 25, 2005 when the steering column problem developed. Dealership claims no responsibility, consumer paid $85. 00 towing and $465 for repairs.

Recall 04v036000 concerning ignition switch failure. After taking the vehicle to dealer for recall repairs the vehicle did not start. Consumer had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer to do recall repairs again.

Consumer received recall 04v036000 concerning ignition switch. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for recall repairs. When consumer went back to pick up the vehicle none of the gauges worked on the instrument panel. Service technician told consumer that the instrument cluster cracked, and consumer would need to buy a panel for the instrument cluster at a fee of $240. 00 for the panel and $24. 50 for labor. Consumer felt that because she was a female and came in alone she was taken advantage off .

After ignition switch recall 04v036000 repairs were performed the engine service light came on, and the daytime running light flickered. Vehicle was taken back to the dealership, who indicated that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, but didn't correct the problem.

Consumer received a NHTSA recall 04v036000 concerning ignition failure. On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. Dealer refused to honor recall unless $35. 00 was paid up front to perform a diagnostic test.

Consumer had the same problem as stated in NHTSA recall 02v07000. On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. This recall failed.

04 v 036 000/ignition switch: consumer has a concern that the dealer was unable to honor the recall because no parts were available. Please provide any further information.

Consumer received recall 04v036000 concerning ignition switch failure. Took vehicle to dealer for repairs, and was charged for labor in the amount of $171. 00, and $156. 00 for the parts. Donna williams was the contact person at gwatney Chevrolet, covington pike, memphis TN 38128, 901-387-2000.

Problems with steering column smoking. Recall# 04v036000. The ignition and steering wheel was smoking. After several attempts of repair, the problem still existed.

The consumer requested reimbursement but the claim was denied by the manufacturer. The ignition would not start. *recall# 04v036000.

Dealership will honor recall repair notice for steering column. Recall# 04v036000. The ignition and steering wheel was smoking. After several attempts of repair, the problem still existed.

The consumer turned on the engine and noticed smoke coming through the ignition switch, two minutes later, the steering wheel was on fire. Dealer notified. Consumer indicated there was a NHTSA recall on this issue.

See all problems of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

Ignition switch recall 04036000 repairs were not performed on correct vehicle because the incorrect vehicle year was printed on the recall notification. Dealership installed the recall part on the wrong vehicle. Then, dealership removed the recalled part when it realized that VIN didn't match the VIN number printed on the recall letter. Currently, the manufacturer's system was showing that recall repairs were completed although it was done on the wrong vehicle.